Chickens in Key West are descendants of domesticated birds brought by settlers, thriving in the wild due to a lack of natural predators and local protection laws.
The sight of colorful chickens strutting down Duval Street or crowing at dawn in Old Town is as much a part of Key West’s charm as sunset celebrations and conch-style houses. These feral fowl have become unofficial mascots of the island, but their history involves Cuban immigrants, abandoned fighting roosters, and a hurricane that set them free.
The Origins of Key West’s Feral Chickens
Key West’s chicken population has two primary sources dating back over 150 years:
1. Early Settlers’ Farm Escapes (1820s-1930s)
When the first settlers arrived in the 1820s, chickens were essential livestock. Families kept them in backyard coops for eggs and meat. As Key West modernized, many chickens were released or escaped. With no natural predators and a tropical climate, they thrived.
2. Cuban Cockfighting Roosters (1860s-1970s)
During Cuba’s Ten Years’ War (1868-1878), immigrants brought aggressive fighting roosters. Cockfighting remained popular until banned in the 1970s. Thousands of roosters were abandoned, breeding with existing feral hens. This explains some chickens’ territorial behavior.
Why the Chicken Population Exploded
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| No natural predators | No foxes, coyotes or large raptors to control numbers |
| Tropical climate | Year-round breeding with 3-4 clutches annually |
| Tourist feeding | Easy access to food scraps and handouts |
| Hurricane Georges (1998) | Destroyed coops, releasing more domestic birds |
The Great Key West Chicken Debate
Locals are divided about their feathered neighbors:
Chicken Supporters
- Consider them living history and good luck symbols
- Enjoy their colorful presence and morning crowing
- Tourists love photographing them (boosting local businesses)
Chicken Opponents
- Roosters crow at all hours, disturbing sleep
- Property damage from scratching and nesting
- Health concerns from droppings in public areas
In 2004, the city hired a “chicken catcher”, but public outcry ended the program. Current laws prohibit feeding chickens on public property.
Where to Spot Key West Chickens
Prime chicken-watching locations include:
- Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden (1 Free School Lane)
- Around the Old Town Cemetery (Margaret Street)
- Near Blue Heaven Restaurant (Thomas Street)
- Along Whitehead Street by the Hemingway House
Chicken Culture in Key West
The birds have become cultural icons appearing in:
- Local art galleries and souvenir shops
- Annual “Chicken Store” celebrations
- Restaurant names like “The Roost”
- Numerous chicken-themed merchandise
Unlike Maui’s wild chickens, Key West’s fowl enjoy special protection. It’s illegal to harm them, making them true free-range residents of this quirky island paradise.